Really enjoyed this, and now heavily pondering what it is I am claimed by. The first thoughts that comes to me is motherhood itself, the land on which I live, my writing process, and something I have a tumultuous relationship with-my role as a nurse. All things that require care and tenderness, all things which demand a lot of me emotionally and physically, all things very much rewarding.
Thank you, Emily! Motherhood is definitely one of those things that claims you. I think it goes beyond the love and need of your kids too, it really is this mega spiritual upheaval/transformation. It doesn't feel quite as devouring now as it is 2-3 years ago, but yeah, totally. The land is definitely another, especially once you've been in one place to know the cycles and be able to say hello old friend. I definitely don't feel claimed by medicine. That feels more like, "well, if you survive you can stay" and I have recently realized that those of us who actually give a shit need a different level of care than those who don't, but we're so disconnected from our needs that we often don't realize it until it's too late. But I digress, I would love to hear if anything else bubbles up for you. Sometimes it can be something seemingly small, like my connection to nettle.
Yes! I haven't read that, I'll have to check it out. From what I've learned so far, what I really admire is that through these practices it helps reconnect to our own ancestors and traditions.
My parents claimed me when they were ill, being there for them was important to me. Do not have regrets about that. Am here for my ancestors too. We are to avenge their crys of the generational hardships. Situational circumstances they couldn't fix. We can.
Caring for someone through their illness and death is another one of those transformational life experiences. Our culture makes it really hard to be truly present for that and definitely encourages outsourcing a lot of that work, but I'm sure both your parents and your ancestors were so pleased that you were bound to them in that way.
Absolutely loved this, Amy. I’ve been away from Substack a while (again!) as I dive into my own weaving and experience of being claimed. Stopping by and finding your piece here has been a real treat and I’ll be back for more.
A moment to feel your impact on others for sure, 😁. I've also been reading a really interesting history of divination in early modern Germany called The Devil's Art. It's very academic, but interesting to know about the governmental and religious attitudes to it. So fsr it seems they were opposed, but didn't have much luck containing it.
My husband and I are pondering your words. "Too many choices" is a important truth to recognize. Also "folding laundry" with another is priceless. Presence. Sharing life, work, the space of another human.
I'm glad it's resonating with you and your husband. I definitely experienced the happiness of few choices when I was living abroad and there were two varieties of tea in the shop rather than 50 :)
Really enjoyed this, and now heavily pondering what it is I am claimed by. The first thoughts that comes to me is motherhood itself, the land on which I live, my writing process, and something I have a tumultuous relationship with-my role as a nurse. All things that require care and tenderness, all things which demand a lot of me emotionally and physically, all things very much rewarding.
Thank you, Emily! Motherhood is definitely one of those things that claims you. I think it goes beyond the love and need of your kids too, it really is this mega spiritual upheaval/transformation. It doesn't feel quite as devouring now as it is 2-3 years ago, but yeah, totally. The land is definitely another, especially once you've been in one place to know the cycles and be able to say hello old friend. I definitely don't feel claimed by medicine. That feels more like, "well, if you survive you can stay" and I have recently realized that those of us who actually give a shit need a different level of care than those who don't, but we're so disconnected from our needs that we often don't realize it until it's too late. But I digress, I would love to hear if anything else bubbles up for you. Sometimes it can be something seemingly small, like my connection to nettle.
I very recently read Of Water and the Spirit! Didn’t realize there was an associated community!
Yes! I haven't read that, I'll have to check it out. From what I've learned so far, what I really admire is that through these practices it helps reconnect to our own ancestors and traditions.
My parents claimed me when they were ill, being there for them was important to me. Do not have regrets about that. Am here for my ancestors too. We are to avenge their crys of the generational hardships. Situational circumstances they couldn't fix. We can.
Caring for someone through their illness and death is another one of those transformational life experiences. Our culture makes it really hard to be truly present for that and definitely encourages outsourcing a lot of that work, but I'm sure both your parents and your ancestors were so pleased that you were bound to them in that way.
Thank you.
Absolutely loved this, Amy. I’ve been away from Substack a while (again!) as I dive into my own weaving and experience of being claimed. Stopping by and finding your piece here has been a real treat and I’ll be back for more.
Welcome back! Thank you for your kind words. I'd love to hear more about your experience being claimed if you are willing to share.
I'm smiling so big right now after reading this.
A moment to feel your impact on others for sure, 😁. I've also been reading a really interesting history of divination in early modern Germany called The Devil's Art. It's very academic, but interesting to know about the governmental and religious attitudes to it. So fsr it seems they were opposed, but didn't have much luck containing it.
My husband and I are pondering your words. "Too many choices" is a important truth to recognize. Also "folding laundry" with another is priceless. Presence. Sharing life, work, the space of another human.
Thank you Amy.
I'm glad it's resonating with you and your husband. I definitely experienced the happiness of few choices when I was living abroad and there were two varieties of tea in the shop rather than 50 :)
😊